Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is open to taking the Newcastle United job next season.

Alan Shearer is to be named manager at Toon today, but will be installed only to the end of this term.

Bruce has long fancied returning to his Geordie roots and could get the chance after Shearer's temporary spell as boss.

But he is wary of the mess club owner Mike Ashley has made with the appointment of football director Dennis Wise and will want assurances that he calls all the shots before quitting the Latics. Joe Kinnear has been mentioned as a replacement for Wise.

A source told The Sun: "Steve would love the chance to go to Newcastle but things would need to change.

"He would feel uncomfortable working under a director of football."

Bruce, 48, might think again about taking over if Newcastle are relegated and Wigan grab a European spot.